All That You Need To Know About Tuckpointing Chimneys

The chimney needs regular maintenance and repair to control the damage due to water absorption.

Tuckpointing contractors in Chicago have for long stressed upon the need for regular repair of the chimney. A good tuckpointing expert will be able to strengthen the mortar joints and give it a new lease of life.

Let’s look at it in detail.

1. Is It Really Necessary?

The bricks do last a lifetime, but sadly the mortar doesn’t, at the most, 25 years or less, depending on the weather condition. Sometimes just by installing a cricket, the chimney does not have the face the full impact of the rains. A cricket is a diversion for the water. If mortar damage is not identified on time, the homeowner will have to collapse the chimney and re-build it. Hence, repair on time is a much cheaper option.

2. How is it done?

Experts in brick repair Park Ridge suggest that the damaged material should be completed removed. They follow simple four steps -

• Removal of mortar at an even depth.
• Filling the gaps with new mortar.
• Thin strips are cut in the middle of the mortar in the form of grooves.
• The grooves are filled with a color that matches the original mortar color.

3. The Real Benefits

Tuckpointing will prolong the life of the chimney and make your fireplace more usable. It will stop the damage and tear of the joints in the mortar. The structure will be more stable and stand straight. The water will not be able to enter once the joints are sealed. It is much cheaper than rebuilding the whole thing again. Masonry in good condition adds value to your home.

 

 

Tuckpointing Tips for Starters & DIY Enthusiasts

Tuckpointing is a skill that can be acquired by practice and experience.

Tuckpointing is essentially used to remove mortar that is crumbling and old and replace it with a fresh batch. If you feel reluctant or less confident do call in the masonry contractors from Hinsdale. Let’s read on about things that you must keep in mind.

1. Matching is Essential

Keep a small piece of the chipped mortar aside. Carry it to the masonry in order to get a fresh batch that matches it perfectly.

2. Be Careful Of the Depth

Use a chisel with caution. When removing the mortar do not go below a depth of an inch or more. Beware any deeper and you may cause more damage than you can see.

3. Multi Layering Is Crucial

Your job does not stop at one layer of mortar. You have to keep laying until you get a smooth and even finish. It is best to apply thin layers, and re apply once they are dry.

4. You Are Not a Pro

Let’s not be over confident and take on a big project the first time. Start small and concentrate on a small section before you move forward. As tuckpointing contractors in Oak Park will point out, there have been cases where over enthusiasm has caused a whole section of the wall to collapse. Finish one section, allow the mortar to dry completely and then move on.

5. Be clean

Once you start applying mortar you will realize that it stains bricks and once it dries up it can be very tricky to remove. The easiest solution to prevent that is to mix one part of muriatic acid with ten parts of water. Apply this to the bricks in generous quantities before you start the project.

6. Don’t panic

If at any stage you feel that you are losing control of the project. Call the experts remember they are just a phone call away.